In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
Present simple example sentences | |
---|---|
Anyway, do you live around here, too? | |
No, I haven't, I don't know what's yours in the fridge. | |
Hello, is that Cate? | |
To me, wasting it is weirder! | |
Oh sorry dear, my husband has some difficulties hearing... | |
Nothing, 'cause I don't know what the woman looks like. | |
I usually take the train. | |
As they say, time is the best medicine. | |
Eating leftovers during the week saves me some time. | |
Because I'm sure they don't serve bugs in London! | |
I'm happy to hear we have similar music taste! | |
Thank you, dear... For helping me to be a liar! | |
Then people come and complain to me! | |
I can cook, of course, but only when I feel like it. | |
I'm sorry but I have bad news about the room... | |
Erm... They pay 170 weekly. | |
Do you like red or white onions? | |
I don't know really, what's yours? | |
Sorry Mrs. Jones, there is a misunderstanding... | |
Do you like train rides, too? |